What are the symptoms of premature rupture of membranes?

The fetal membrane is a natural protective shield for the growth and development of the fetus. When the fetus is mature and can be born from the mother's body, the membrane ruptures, the amniotic fluid is discharged, and the fetus is delivered. Any rupture of membranes before the fetus is fully developed (generally less than 37 weeks of pregnancy) or rupture of water before delivery can be called premature rupture of membranes.

What is premature rupture of membranes?

After 30 weeks of pregnancy, as the fetus continues to grow, the enlarged uterus presses on the bladder and causes frequent urination, which is normal. However, if bed-wetting occurs, you should be alert to the possibility of premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes is a common complication of delivery. It may cause various inflammations and requires vigilance.

Premature rupture of membranes, also known as broken water, refers to the spontaneous rupture of the fetal membranes before labor. Premature rupture of membranes with a gestational age of <37 weeks is also called premature birth (preterm). The incidence of premature rupture of membranes before 37 weeks of pregnancy is approximately 2.0% to 3.5%. Preterm Premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the most common complication in the perinatal period and can cause serious adverse consequences to pregnant women, fetuses and neonates. Premature rupture of membranes can lead to an increase in premature birth rate, perinatal mortality, and intrauterine infection and puerperal infection rates.

Types of premature rupture of membranes

1. Premature rupture of membranes: The spontaneous rupture of membranes before delivery. Premature rupture of membranes at a gestational age of <37 weeks is also called premature (preterm) premature rupture of membranes.

2. Premature rupture of membranes at term: If it occurs after 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called premature rupture of membranes at term.

Symptoms of premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes can lead to premature birth, umbilical cord prolapse and intrauterine infection. About 30% of premature births are caused by premature rupture of membranes. The clinical manifestation is water discharge from the lower body, which can be more or less. Since there is no pain when the amniotic membrane ruptures, many expectant mothers often think it is urination (when there is a lot of amniotic fluid) or vaginal discharge (when there is little amniotic fluid).

1. Symptoms: Sudden vaginal discharge with or without various reasons, the amount of discharge can be more or less. The discharge is usually continuous and lasts for varying periods of time. It starts out large and then gradually decreases. A few cases are intermittent. Vaginal discharge is usually related to changes in the pregnant woman's body position and whether she is active or not.

2. Physical signs: Pregnant women may or may not see any fluid flowing out of the vaginal opening when they lie in the supine position. If there is no fluid flowing out, during rectal examination, fluid may flow out of the vaginal opening by lifting the posterior vaginal fornix, pushing the fetal head upwards and pressing the uterine fundus, or when the pregnant woman changes her body position. Please note that no fluid may flow out after these auxiliary operations. The fluid that comes out is usually thin and may be mixed with meconium or vernix caseosa. Acute inpatients may bring underwear, sanitary napkins or toilet paper to the hospital, which requires further careful examination.